Novelty item containers

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a container, for example a see-through container, that is sized so that multiple cards having written content on the cards are placeable within the container. The content on the cards may all relate to a particular theme. The apparatus also has a lid for the container. The container lid has a novelty item attached to an underside of the lid such that when the lid is in a closed position with respect to the container, the novelty item extends from the underside of the lid and into the container. The novelty item, in one example, may be removable from the lid so that it may be placed within the container.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a container that serves as a receptacle for cards that may be removed from the container and that has a removable lid with a novelty item attached to its underside.

BACKGROUND

For many people, the daily routine of work, school, and other daily activities can be familiar, mundane, stressful, or any combination of such experiences. To enhance daily routine, many people rely on activities that improve their daily lives. Such activities include sports, vacationing, other time away from the office, school, or typical location, or attending classes to learn new information, further education or gather knowledge. For some people, for those that can afford time away from work, simply an afternoon off is a retreat from daily schedules.

However, many people cannot regularly disrupt their schedule to enjoy relaxation, learning, education, renewal, or just to have plain fun. Rather, the majority of learning, education, and relaxation that occurs daily happens in quick time intervals and involves activities such as reading magazines, newspapers, books, taking tea or coffee breaks, or daydreaming.

SUMMARY

What is needed is a convenient activity that provides a break from the ordinary activities of the day, and may or may not add to learning and knowledge in any particular topic.

The invention is a device to provide a method and system of disseminating information, training, teaching, entertainment, sporting or cultural activities, advertising, office, business, school, or personal functions, for educational or recreational purposes.

This invention enhances daily living, knowledge, or education by introducing elements of surprise as a container is opened and the user discovers a combination of objects with printed materials, with at least one object attached to the inside of the container cap or lid.

This invention introduces the experience and feeling of discovery, surprise, exploration, fin, learning, and education into daily life. The container involves a short period of time and effort to engage, although the user may remain involved with the objects of the container for as long as he or she desires.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-21 are perspective diagrams of the inventive container.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a cylinder-shaped container with 101 a random collection and assortment of topic or theme-related cards 102 inside. Cards 102 may be in color or black and white. The container 101 may be ajar or tube or other cylindrical-shaped container of a practical size to sit on a desk or table. The container 101 in the present invention may be transparent (see-through) or opaque, and made of any material, for example, plastic of any kind, metal, or wood. The topic, title, or theme is displayed as a title page either visible through the container, if it is transparent, or adhered to the top, bottom, or sides of the container. The product 100 is like a book with a theme. The container 101 has a lid 103 that fits on the container 101, but which is shown in FIG. 1A off of the container 101 and leaning against its side.

Cards 102 in this invention bear either data in the form of text or graphically designed images, on any kind of material, for example paper, magnetic material, metal, plastic, cloth, or wood. Text or images are applied on one or two sides. Both sides relate to the theme represented on the packaging description or title, which is visible from the outside. Cards 102 may be of any shape, in a loose collection, or assembled. The example here shows a loose collection of cards. Each card maintains a purpose on its own without needing the other cards for the end-user to derive a utility from the product. The cards 102 as a collection do need the container in order to help keep the cards together.

For this product 100 to function and have a purpose, the end-user randomly pulls a card or cards from the container, for entertainment, or to increase knowledge and learning related to the theme or topic. The advantage of this product is that the data or images on the cards increases the function of the cylinder container as a method of imparting and disseminating data, facts, or knowledge related to a specific theme. Just as a book binding, whether hard cover or paperback, is a means of containing printed pages, this invention of cards of data or images inside a container is a functional method of bearing and imparting information to an end-user. The invention transmits and dispenses information in a visual, tactile and kinesthetic mode or manner.

The cards 102 and container 101 function as a unit to serves its utilitarian purpose. Just as jam without its container is not a functional delivery method of jam, the cards and container described for this invention are combined in order to operate and serve the purpose of disseminating data. The container 101 of cards 102, whether unbound or bound cards, is necessary to deliver the product, just as a non-porous container, like a glass, is necessary to deliver drinking water to the end-user.

Another example of a similar delivery method is the vitamin capsule or tablet. In order for the chemical compound to be available for intake, the powders need to be collected in tablet or capsule form. The present invention, in a similar manner, needs a container 101 in order for the cards of data to function as a delivery method of information. The cards 102 need to be collected and embraced in some kind of container 101 for this invention.

Either as a form of entertainment, advertising, or as an educational tool, the combination and relationship of a container 101 with cards 102 of data serves the purpose of making the topic-related information accessible and easy to use for all learner styles and modes. Where a book or pamphlet contains text or images on bound printed pages, the cards 102 inside this product 100 of cards and container provide a smaller space for words or images, bound or unbound. Where an end-user needs to grasp a book or pamphlet for interaction, the end-user of the cards of data inside a container needs to reach inside to obtain the information.

The product 100 adds an element of surprise to daily life, where experiencing the unexpected can be a relief from the daily patterns of school and work. For many people, the daily routines of work, school and other day-to-day activities can be stressful or mundane, or a combination of such experiences. Many people rely on activities such as sports, travel, or camping to remove them from the routines of daily life. Many of these activities require long time commitments, whereas activities such as reading, daydreaming, or brief interactions with friends can be accomplished in shorter time intervals. What is needed is a convenient activity for any age that can be portable, entertaining, interactive, and sometimes educational, in order to provide a break from the ordinary, expected, or unexpected events of the day.

The act of living logically offers unexpected events, whether personal, professional, or political, whether at home, or in our communities, which may be in school, or at work. The nature of life is that it delivers unexpected events and activities, and unexpected events in today's world are sometimes of an unpleasant or even fearful nature, such as terrorism, war, crime, violence, illness, job termination, divorce, or accidents.

The present invention of cards of data or images inside a container 101 provides an unexpected mode of obtaining information, for the end-user can experience delight in randomly pulling theme or topic-cards as a method of learning or acquiring knowledge. The invention provides a new way of learning and enhances the day-to-day life of the end-user.

The cards 102 are necessary to the function of the container 101, and the container 101 is necessary to the function of the product 100 as a waterproof, portable, multi-dimensional, visual, tactile and kinesthetic method of communicating information. The cards 102 give the container 101 a purpose, function, and meaning, so that the container 101 is a means of carrying theme-related information.

The contents of the cards 102 relate to the function of the titled container 101 and are essential to the purpose and meaning of the container 101. The container 101 and the cards 102 are necessary attributes for each other to unify the topic, theme or title described. The data or images on the cards are necessary to keep the cards 102 identified as belonging to the particular theme or topic title of the container 101.

Topics can be educationally related, for example, curriculum themes for school-age children, or business-related themes for places of employment. Examples of education-related themes might be “First Words” for pre-school children, or for adults learning a second language, or any kind of trivia, facts, messages, quotes or theme-related topic. Examples of business themes might be topics about leadership, teamwork, safety training, positive work skills, or facts related to a specific company. In this last reference, a financial institution may want cards bearing data, facts, or images on one side related to the banking industry, and the name of a bank on the second side. The purpose is dual here. The container 101 is again a form of instruction and education, imparting information to the end-user, while also advertising a particular bank.

FIG. 1A also shows a second product 110 similar to product 100, and that has a container 111 that is wider than the container 101. Also, the second product 110 has a lid 113 that is not a screw-on type like the lid 103 in the first product 100.

FIG. 1B shows the container 101 shown in FIG. 1A with cards bearing data related to a topic and theme on one side 104 of each card, and text (and perhaps also a graphic image) represented on the second side 105. For example, here a theme of “First Words” for pre-school children might have one early-learning word per card, such as truck, ball, sit, cat, on one side 105 of a card, and then the back side 104 of each card might bear the title and image, “FIRST WORDS,” so that when the cards are removed from the container 101, each card will have an identifying mark as to its topic.

FIG. 1C shows a random collection of forklift safety rules on the front side 106 of the cards, and a company name and logo on the second side 107 of each card. The data or images on the cards can also identify a company related to the content. The company name and logo as part of the cards serves the purpose of transforming the container of educational information into an advertising tool, and identifying each card as belonging to the specific topic and company labeled on the container 101.

FIG. 1D shows FIG. 1A above with a question on one side 108 of each card, and the answer on the opposing side 109, all related to the topic, theme or title of the cylinder container 101.

FIG. 1E shows FIG. 1A as a four-sided container 120, rather than as a cylinder. The function and purpose of the cards and four-sided container remain the same as the function and purpose of the cylinder container and cards. The four-sided container may be square, rectangular, or other four-sided shape. Contents of cards with data or images remain the same as in each of the above figures.

FIG. 2 shows a cylindrical container 201 with a twist-type lid 203 on the container 201. Artificial turf, or grass 230, is attached to the underside of the container lid 203, and so is shown in the figure extending downwardly from the underside of the lid 203 and into the container 201. The lid 203 may be hinged or unhinged, threaded for twisting onto the container, or may be a snap-on variety. As such, the container 201 may incorporate a theme such as “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Several cards 202 of business card size are shown within the container 201. Such a container 201 may be placed in a reception area at a store or business, in which case the cards 202 within the container 201 may have printed on them various trivia facts about the business, and perhaps also a business name, logo or trademark. Visitors to the business may be invited to take a card from the container 201, and in so doing will learn about the business in a fun way.

Another example for function in a business setting can be for the cards to display a company's mission, history, purpose, or corporate values, all condensed to fit onto the cards. Each card can display a different statement.

The container 201 may be any appropriate size, such as three or four inches high and three inches wide (diameter) for a container that may be used in a business reception area. Other sizes and configurations of the container will be shown in later figures.

The container 201 shown in FIG. 2A may be constructed by purchasing an already constructed container and gluing the artificial turf (or other novelty items that will be described later) to the underside of the container lid 203. The size of the container 201 and the size of the cards 202 may be selected so the container 201 accommodates the cards 202 within and the novelty item (in this example the grass) that extends into the container 201 when the lid 203 is in a closed position, or in other words, when the lid 203 is on the container 201.

FIG. 2B shows the container 201 in the previous figure with the lid 203 taken off, resting upside down on its top side. The artificial turf 230 attached to the underside of the container lid 203 is shown extending upwardly. Again, several cards 202 are shown within the container 201, and outside the container 201. The cards 202 may engage the user with facts, quotes, messages, or other theme-related topics.

FIG. 3 shows a container 301 with the lid 303 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a cardholder 332 attached to the inside of the lid 303. The cardholder 332 can either be permanently attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container 301 so it can be set up elsewhere and one or several printed cards 334 from the container 301 can then be displayed on the cardholder 332. Another possibility is that a business card be displayed on the cardholder 332, inviting guests to notice the business name, and reach into the container 301 to pull a surprise card with a message. The cardholder 332 and its displayed message card 334 can act as a daily reminder. Again, several cards 302 are shown within the container 301, and outside the container 301.

FIG. 4 shows a container 401 with the lid 403 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a compact disc 436 attached to the inside of the lid 403. The compact disc 436 can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container so it can be used for audio purposes of spoken words or music. Again, several cards 402 are shown within the container, and outside the container. The content of the compact disc 436 may or may not relate in an obvious manner to the title, topic or theme of the container. For example, a container with a theme of exercise, holding multiple cards of various stretches, yoga or meditation positions, or other health-related activities, may also have a compact disc of classical music, or water and nature sound, to enhance the exercises and activities suggested on the cards. The container may also hold a strap 438 or exercise mat 440 to assist in the activities.

Another example of content on a compact disc 436 might be to have children singing or speaking nursery rhymes for a container 401 with a theme of rhymes, and cards 402 bearing a variety of nursery rhymes.

FIG. 5 shows a container 501 with the lid 503 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with alphabetic letters 542 attached to the inside of the lid. The alphabetic letters 542 can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for learning to spell, entertainment, or play purposes. Again, several cards 502 are shown within the container, and outside the container. The cards may relate to spelling and learning the alphabet for preschool children, or for general language learning for all ages. One application for adults can be to use this as an interactive teaching tool for learning a second language. If the letters were non-Roman, for example Chinese characters 544, the container of characters and cards can be a tactile and interactive way to learn a new language. The user can match meanings of the characters between the characters inside the lid and the printed images on the cards.

FIG. 6 shows a container 601 with the lid 603 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with toy automobiles 646 attached to the inside of the lid. The toy automobiles 646 can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for automobile education, entertainment, play purposes, or possibly collecting a variety of model miniature vehicles, whether cars, trucks, scooters, or motorcycles. Again, several cards 602 are shown within the container, and outside the container.

FIG. 7 shows a container 701 with the lid 703 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with model buildings 748 attached to the inside of the lid. The model buildings can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for architectural education, entertainment, or play purposes. Again, several cards 702 are shown within the container, and outside the container.

FIG. 8 shows a container 801 with the lid 803 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a baking mix 850 attached to the inside of the lid. The baking mix 850 can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for learning to bake, nutritional education, entertainment, or snack time purposes. Again, several cards 802 are shown within the container, and outside the container.

FIG. 9 shows a container 901 with the lid 903 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with FIGS. 952 attached to the inside of the lid. The FIGS. 952 can either be attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for cultural education and awareness, entertainment, or play purposes. Again, several cards 902 are shown within the container, and outside the container. The cards 902 in this figure may relate to a theme of cultural learning or sociological studies.

FIG. 10 shows a container 1001 with the lid 1003 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a seed packet 1054 attached to the inside of the lid. The seed packet 1054 can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for plant education, entertainment, or play purposes. Again, several cards 1002 are shown within the container, and outside the container. In this example, the seeds may be for a planting and gardening activity and the cards might have facts about vegetable and nutrition, or flower arranging, forms of propagation, botany, wildflowers, agriculture, or other nature and land-related topics.

FIG. 11 shows a container 1101 with the lid 1103 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a spinner 1156 attached to the inside of the lid 1103. The spinner 1156 can either be permanently attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and may assist the user in playing a game. A foldable game board 1158 and dice can also be included as objects in the container and can be used for playing a game, entertainment, or play purposes. Again, several cards 1102 are shown within the container, and outside the container. The cards can be part of the game, with content about how to play, or instructions about game moves for the users.

FIG. 12A shows a container 1201 with the lid 1203 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with cards 1260 of individual words, images, phrases, or sentences attached to the inside of the lid. The cards 1260, as in all the figures, can be of any material, and can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for learning words, writing phrases, entertainment, or play purposes. Some or all of the cards 1260 may be enclosed in a plastic bag and the bag may be attached to the inside of the lid. Again, several cards 1202 are shown within the container, and outside the container.

Cards 1202 may or may not include color or black and white images on one or both sides of the cards. The user may use a writing implement 1268 and paper 1270 to color in black and white images and outlines. One possibility for use of images on the cards may be that the images are randomly related to the topic, and yet not related to the other cards in the container. Another possibility of images may be that in whatever order each card is laid on a surface, whether side-by-side or top to bottom, the result will be a matching and harmonious scene. See FIG. 12B. This last example can be played with the user taking any card and placing it by any other card and the result will produce matching images and language that creates harmony out of randomness. Depending on the number of cards, thousands, or millions of matching combinations are possible.

Content of the cards 1202 may include guidelines for how to write a story, or each card may be a story-starting phrase that can then be finished by wither using words or phrases from the other cards, or by using phrases or words that the user makes up. Some of the cards can be on different colored paper, or have different colored ink, to identify their grammatical parts of language. For example, nouns may be on blue material or be printed in blue ink on white or other colored material, verbs on red material or with red ink, propositions on yellow material or yellow ink, and so on. This would allow players to distinguish or choose which cards to use to build a grammatically proper sentence.

Another example of how this container 1201 of cards 1202 might be utilized is for a competitive or non-competitive game, either with several people, or as an individual activity. To begin, the cards 1202 are shuffled or mixed in any fashion so that the cards are in random arrangement. Shuffle may occur once or several times. Cards 1202 can then be dealt or each player can draw cards. Many variations for ways to play can be created by the end-user(s). Users can establish the parameters of the activity. For example, a rule can be set that instructs each player to receive ten random cards and once all players have ten cards, each player attempts to construct a sentence, story or paragraph using as many as possible of their cards. If one of the user-created rules is to make the activity a contest, then a winner can be declared as the person who uses the most of their cards. In this example, the winner would be the player who used the most of their ten cards.

Another example of a user-created rule can be to add the element of time using a sand-timer 1262, or adding an element of chance by using dice 1264, or spinner 1266. Timer, dice, and spinner can be provided in the container along with the cards. The timer, dice, or spinner can be used as directives to indicate how many cards a player should pull or be dealt.

FIG. 13 shows a container 1301 with the lid 1303 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a camera 1372 attached to the inside of the lid. The camera 1372 can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container and can be used for camera education, taking pictures, entertainment, or play purposes. Again, several cards 1302 are shown within the container, and outside the container. The cards in this example may offer ideas about a game or activity using pictures and collecting photographs.

FIG. 14 shows a container 1401 with the lid 1403 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a mini book 1474 of printed matter attached to the inside of the lid. The mini book can be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container, bound or unbound, assembled or not assembled. The mini book may contain data, images or information regarding sports, recreation, an educational topic, or other entertainment topic. Interspersed with information regarding the main topic are mottos and statements of positive encouragement and attitude that will encourage the user to have a positive attitude. The mini book can be used for reading education, uplifting attitudes, or play purposes. Again, several cards 1402 are shown within the container, and outside the container.

FIG. 15 shows a container 1501 with the lid 1503 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a bag 1576 of stones or small discs, pencils 1578, and scissors 1580 temporarily attached to the inside of the lid. The bag of stones or small discs may be kept in the container or out of the container, as the user so desires. A set of scissors may be included as an object in the container and may be used in conjunction with an activity included in the container or for other activities the user decides on. Writing utensils including pencils, colored and non-colored, may be included in the container for the end-user to use. All objects included in the container can be used for educational purposes, entertainment, or play purposes. Again, several cards 1502 of data are shown within the container, and outside the container.

FIG. 16 shows a container 1601 with the lid 1603 taken off, resting upside down on its top side with a packet of skin cream 1682 attached to the inside of the lid. The skin cream, hand lotion, shampoo, shaving kit, other beauty or health care products may be included in the container for the user and can either be temporarily attached to the inside of the lid or left freely in the container. The skin cream or other beauty care products can be used for improving the user's skin and appearance. Again, several cards 1602 are shown within the container, and outside the container.

Although the combination and purpose of beauty and health care products and cards of data seem unrelated and removed from one another, the following example indicates how both can relate to a unified theme or topic. If the cards 1602, for example, contain data about healthy food choices, or quotes and facts about cooking, trivia facts about science and industry, meditative messages, or even study questions for the SAT or LSAT exams, no matter what the cards theme, the user will derive pleasure and satisfaction from both the surprise and the usage of a health care product.

The relation between health care products and learning materials may not be evident at first, however it is significant to the present invention. Health and beauty and nutrition products are intended to enhance or increase the well-being of the user. Everything from over-the-counter products like shampoo, skin cream, and vitamins 1684, to prescription drugs 1684, are all products for improving the health, well-being, life, or lifestyle of the end-user.

In a similar manner, education and learning, which the cards in this invention provide, are also a means and resource of altering, improving, or enhancing the user's life. Education, school, and learning, from pre-school to college and graduate school, and beyond, are all tools for enhancing lifestyle. Improving the mind is an accepted human endeavor to improve the over-all quality of life, or to improve the interior thought process of the consumer, who is the ‘student’ or end-user.

Both mental and psychological self-improvement can improve the well-being of an individual, and of the communities in which individuals congregate. In 1992, John Whiteley offers a theory in his book, Character Development In College Students, which suggests a high correlation between decision-making and the level of self-esteem. Further, scientist Leonard Sagan, in 1990, writes that psychological factors, including self-esteem, have a greater impact on health than drugs, new medical procedures, and the high tech equipment of modern medicine. He goes on to suggest that those who feel good about themselves are less susceptible to illness and more resistant to disabilities, like cancer.

In light of this research, combining health care products, which help one feel good and clean, or smooth, or soft, or clean-shaven, with cards of data that enhance learning, education and knowledge, are a logical and unifying combination. Cards of data, information, and visual images, and health/beauty products both function as a resource to improve the user's well-being.

FIG. 17 shows a square container 1701 with a snap-on lid 1703 on the container. The theme may be related the theme in FIGS. 2A and 2B, where artificial turf, or grass 1730, is attached to the underside of the container lid 1703, and so is shown in the figure extending downwardly from the underside of the lid and into the container. Several cards 1702 are shown within the container. This example is to indicate that the invention is not limited to a cylinder-shaped container with objects attached to the underside of the lid.

FIG. 18 shows the square container 1701 from the previous figure with the lid 1703 taken off, resting upside down on its top side. The artificial turf 1730 permanently attached to the underside of the container lid is shown extending upwardly. Again, several cards 1702 are shown within the container.

FIG. 19 shows an orb-shaped container 1901 with a hinged lid 1903 on the container. The theme of “the grass is always greener on the other side” may be related the theme in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Artificial turf, or grass 1930, is permanently attached to the underside of the container lid 1903, and so is shown in the figure extending downwardly from the underside of the lid and into the container. Several cards 1902 are shown within the container.

FIG. 20 shows the orb-shaped container 1901 from the previous figure with the lid 1903 hinged open allowing the artificial turf 1930, which is permanently attached to the underside of the container lid 1903, to extend outwardly. Again, several cards 1902 are shown within the container.

FIG. 21 shows a cylinder container 2101, with the closure 2103 removed and resting on the container, which holds a collection of cards 2102 bearing text. A rolled-up T-shirt 2186 is resting near the container, to indicate the option of this invention including apparel. The T-shirt or any other piece of apparel can be temporary attached to the closure, for removal by the end-user so that the apparel can be worn.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a container sized so that multiple cards having written content on the cards are placeable within the container; and a lid for the container, wherein the lid has a novelty item attached to an underside of the lid such that when the lid is in a closed position with respect to the container the novelty item extends from the underside of the lid and into the container.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is see-through to enable viewing of the novelty item when within the container.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is opaque.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is removable from the container lid.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the written content of the multiple cards all relates to a theme.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the theme is identified on a first side of each of the multiple cards.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the theme relates to a business entity.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the theme is identified on a first side of each of the multiple cards by a business identifier of the business entity.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the business identifier is a logo that identifies the business entity.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the business identifier is a name that identifies the business entity.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein each of the multiple cards has on a second side content that relates to the theme.
 12. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the theme is identified on a surface of the container.
 13. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the written content of the multiple cards all relates to trivia that is related to the theme.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the theme relates to activities of a particular business entity.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is artificial grass.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a cardholder that holds one or more cards in a position such that the one or more cards extend from the underside of the lid.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the cardholder is of a type adapted to hold a standard business card.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a recording medium with content stored thereon that can be replayed.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the content relates to exercise.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising equipment that can be used in performing an exercise and that is included in the container.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the equipment comprises at least one of an exercise mat and an exercise strap.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item includes one or more language characters.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the language characters are alphanumeric letters.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item includes a small model of a transport vehicle.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item includes a small model of a building.
 26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item includes a mix for making a food product.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item includes one or more model figures of a person.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the novelty item represents a family.
 29. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a packet of seeds.
 30. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a spinner of a type used in games.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a foldable game board included within the container, that can be removed and played, and that uses the spinner as part of the game.
 32. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising dice included within the container that may be used in playing a game.
 33. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item includes multiple cards wherein each of the novelty item multiple cards has printed thereon at least one of words, phrases or punctuation.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the novelty item multiple cards form a sentence with a theme.
 35. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a writing implement and blank cards included within the container so that persons may create content on the blank cards.
 36. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least some of the multiple cards that are placeable within the container have a different picture included thereon such that multiple cards may be positioned to create a matching scene that includes the different pictures on more than one of the cards.
 37. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a camera.
 38. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is an assemblage of multiple cards that are connected by an attachment mechanism.
 39. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment mechanism is a chain that extends through a hole in each of the cards of the assemblage.
 40. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the novelty item is a health-care product.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the health-care product is a skin cream.
 42. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the content of the multiple cards relates to a topic that is to be learned.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the topic is one that is to be tested in a standardized school admissions test.
 44. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is rectangle-shaped.
 45. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is cylindrical-shaped.
 46. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is orb-shaped.
 47. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lid is a screw-on type lid.
 48. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lid is a hinge-type lid. 